“So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Introduction
Hope is one of the most powerful forces in a believer’s life. It serves as the bridge between our present struggles and the future promises of God. Hope allows us to focus not on our temporary circumstances but on the eternal truths of God’s Word. In a world filled with uncertainty, hope acts as an anchor that keeps us steadfast, reassuring us that what we do not yet see is still real and attainable.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.“ This verse urges us to cultivate a faith that sees beyond our present trials and to hold fast to the promises of God.
Today’s article explores the significance of hope in the Christian journey and how it enables us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence in God’s promises.
Understanding Hope
Hope is a profound and dynamic force in the life of a believer. It consists of both an earnest desire and a confident expectation of obtaining an unseen promise. Hope is not merely wishful thinking but a deep-seated assurance that what God has spoken will come to pass.
The word hope in Scripture refers to the object of hope, the very thing we anticipate. Romans 8:24 states, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” Hope is always directed toward what is not yet realized. Once something is attained, it no longer requires hope but rather gratitude.
Hope sustains us in times of difficulty. It is the confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises. This is why Paul encourages believers to remain hopeful despite trials, knowing that hope will anchor us through life’s storms.
The Power of Hope in Difficult Times
Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” When our expectations are delayed, discouragement can set in. However, hope keeps us moving forward. Even when life feels unbearable, hope steadies us and reminds us that change is possible.
Every promise of God fuels our hope. The purpose of His promises is their fulfillment. His Word keeps our hope alive and pushes us to persevere. Jesus, in John 14:2-3, reassures us: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” This promise is a beacon of hope for all believers.
Hope and Future Glory
Sin has corrupted creation, leading to frustration and decay. However, we have hope that one day all of creation will be restored. Romans 8:18-22 declares: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
As children of God, we eagerly anticipate this future glory. This hope motivates us to endure present hardships, knowing that they pale in comparison to the joy that awaits us. The ultimate hope of the believer is the eradication of sin and death, and the perfection of our souls in Christ.
The Example of Paul
The Apostle Paul exemplified unwavering hope. He was not afraid of death because he was confident in his eternal destiny. He declared in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8: “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Facing the future can bring anxiety, but if we believe in Christ, we can share Paul’s confidence. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our eternal home is secure in Christ.
Hope and Personal Transformation
Many of us struggle with our past failures and sins. However, hope in Christ allows us to release our past and embrace the future. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, we should focus on growing in our knowledge of God and deepening our relationship with Him. Our sins are forgiven, and through hope, we can move forward into a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.
Seeing the Unseen
Living by faith requires us to see beyond the natural world. We are called to perceive the unseen reality of God’s promises. 2 Corinthians 4:18 reiterates this truth: “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
This perspective enables us to endure hardships, knowing that our ultimate reward is not found in this life but in the eternal kingdom of God. Hope empowers us to move forward, trusting that God is leading us to a place of fulfillment.
Conclusion
Seeing the unseen is fundamental to a life of faith. As believers, we are called to look beyond the visible and trust in the eternal promises of God. Hope strengthens us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that our present struggles are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us.
Just as Paul pressed forward, undeterred by past failures and present trials, we too must hold on to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Our hope assures us that one day, all suffering will be replaced with joy, and every tear will be wiped away. Let us, therefore, live each day with unwavering faith, keeping our eyes on the unseen, and allowing God’s Word to guide us into His glorious future.
- Culled from faithgateway.com.
Stay Blessed!
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